Gear Review: KÜHL FREEFLEX Shorts and KÜHL VANTAGE Shorts

Comfort and Performance in the Wild and Beyond

Three solid weeks of gear testing KÜHL’s FREEFLEX and VANTAGE women’s shorts.

To say that I lived in these two pairs of KÜHL shorts from the moment they arrived on my doorstep is not an exaggeration. Waking each morning, I instinctively and happily reached for one pair or the other, depending on the day’s activity.

If you enjoy living in well-made, stylish yoga pants in the winter, these are your summer equivalent in feel.

Let’s examine each one:

FREEFLEX Short 4” Koal

The koal-colored FREEFLEX shorts became my go-to for everyday wear. They moved comfortably with my body wherever the day took me—playing tennis, 7-mile+ hikes in the woods, rock scrambles, boxing workouts, telecommuting, running errands, and all tasks around the house, like yard work. Yes, I lived in these, only removing them to wash, spend time in the VANTAGE shorts, or sleep.

Stretch: These shorts move with you and still retain their flattering shape. I aggressively tested them on hikes and in the boxing gym. I always had the range of motion I needed, never restricted from the fabric.

On the flip side of activity, when you decide to indulge in that piece of cake as a reward for all of your physical prowess, these shorts will stretch with your stomach—guilt-free.

Odor-Resistance: I haven’t managed to make them smell yet. It’s not uncommon for me to go to the gym mid-day, then need to jump into a meeting as soon as I’m home. This often means, I’m sitting in my sweaty clothes longer than I should, sometimes for several hours. Gross, sure. But, when it comes to testing gear, it’s a great metric because while I might carry an odor until my shower, these shorts would not suggest I had been wearing them during my chosen workout. For backpacking trips, these are exactly what I seek and recommend.

Wicking: I tested these in 90+ degree heat in Virginia’s humidity for weeks. Dries quicker than my high-performance shirts, evaporating my sweat in what feels like seconds.  

Pockets: The FREEFLEX brings to the table zippered side pockets along with two open back pockets. The pockets easily hold two tennis balls on each side during moderate play unzipped. Pockets have the capacity to hold three balls each, but not once you start running. Additionally, they are deep enough to hold a 6-inch phone without zippering.

Back pockets similarly hold a 6-inch phone securely – probably holds larger phones as well, but that’s the size I tested and can speak to. From a comfort standpoint, I found it better to stash my phone in the back pocket whenever walking longer than the length of my house. Not because of the fabric, but because it’s simply uncomfortable to contend with a non-flexible device in front of the hip flexor.

Notice the two tennis balls securely in my left pocket

Wash: I washed these several times with other performance gear on performance setting and allowed to hang dry. They have held up really well in the wash.

Overall FREEFLEX: These are well-crafted shorts perfect for consecutive days in the outdoors or weeks of normal daily living. Stretch offers high comfort, odor is a non-issue, pockets are large and functional with zippered closure, and the fit is flattering.

For reviews, I always seek to report some downside for consideration prior to purchase. I can’t find that here. From product receipt to publishing this review, I have raved to anyone who will listen about the FREEFLEX’s comfort and performance. Highly recommend these shorts for any physical activity or simply to look and feel good.

______________________________________________

VANTAGE Short 4″ Sage

Like its sister pair, I spent a considerable amount of time in these shorts over the last several weeks and have relished every minute. The biggest difference between the VANTAGE and FREEFLEX that I notice, other than cut, is in the fabric itself. The VANTAGE shorts are designed with a lighter weight, free-flowing fabric, whereas the FREEFLEX feels more structured. As I made determinations about which to wear, the function of the pockets and the feel of the fabric nudged me in one way or another.

Disc Golf technique aside…

Stretch: The VANTAGE shorts stretch easily and feels incredibly lightweight. I love them for activities like disc golf that require movement and flexibility on an oppressively hot day. Versatile, they’re also dressy enough to wear to a picnic or winery if paired with a fun top. When you need to transition between an athletic and smart casual event, these are your shorts.

Odor-Resistance: I push my clothes hard in the outdoors and can usually get garments to smell. These have yet to carry an odor even after a solid day outside in brutally hot and humid weather.

Wicking: Quick drying. No complaints in the solid heat and humidity.

Pockets: What I love about these is the zippered back pocket designed to protect your license and credit cards. This pocket sits closer to the body within the main back pocket. So, you get both a zippered closure and the normal two back pockets. When I am out running errands, I appreciate the ability to pull my phone out of my pocket without having to check the surrounding area for accidentally tossing my license and credit card on the floor. Check it out here:

Wash: I washed these several times with other performance gear on performance setting and allowed to hang dry. These have held up really well.

Overall VANTAGE: Love the comfort, stretch, and versatility. I appreciate the security of the extra zippered pocket within the right back pocket. The ability to wear these for outdoor play and managing life is a plus. Consider the VANTAGE shorts a stylish replacement for your khaki shorts, particularly when you flow from athletic to social events. Functional and flattering, wear them for a game of volleyball and then to a friend’s barbeque.

______________________________________________

Bottom Line: Both shorts offer extreme comfort, high performance, and notable versatility. Both are flattering and functional, supporting needs for whatever the day brings.

If forced to pick one design, I’d go with the FREEFLEX because it suits the feel I prefer when hiking. Additionally, the cut hugs the leg a little more closely which makes it easier to wear to the gym during exercises like leg raises, burpees, and push-ups. But, both the VANTAGE and FREEFLEX are positive additions to the athletic garment lineup and may surprise you at how quickly it becomes a favorite.

______________________________________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the FREEFLEX and VANTAGE shorts for free from KÜHL in consideration for a gear review.

You may also like...